Homeschool Month 5 - Incorporating iTunes University

My husband told me about iTunes University at the end of last year and last night I sat down and went through some of the courses.  iTunes U was started in May of 2007 and it's such a neat resource!

I selected one of the free video courses for my 1st Grader to "take" this semester.  It's Elements of Music, taught at Missouri State University.   We started with the first session today.

As for the rest of our schooling, much of the past 4 weeks was spent on Christmas break, but when we were not on break, we continued work on Bible, handwriting, reading, living math, science, character, nature and art.

As we go into this next semester we'll be continuing the same, with the addition of Kitty's new music class, possibly Suzuki piano and the classes we take at co-op.

My Husband Rocks Friday!

Click here for the End of the Year Meme - 2008

My Husband Rocks

Disclaimer: I do these "My Husband Rocks" posts because I saw the idea on Katy Lin's site and I thought it was a good idea to do, as it helps me to focus in on the good of my hubby especially when things are tough. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to these and read them during any tough times that come. And they do come.......

My Husband Rocks because I opened the cabinet for a bowl just now and all of the bowls were ever so neatly arranged.  I almost wanted to close the door and never eat again so it'll stay that way forever.

There are so many more things I want to write and say based on the last few weeks.  The holiday vacation and time we spent was very special.  I just haven't been able to sit down and write it all out.

Thanks babe, for taking time to do what you did for me today and for all you do to make me feel special.

End of the year meme (2008)

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? coming soon
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes.  In addition to me -- Chrystal, Ashiya, Rochelle, Ronnie, Roz, Keyna, Charity, Angelique......

4. Did anyone close to you die? my paternal grandfather (James Gort), my uncle (James Wilson)

5. What countries did you visit?  none other than the U.S.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? a will

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? coming soon

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? childbirth

9. What was your biggest failure? coming soon

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? nothing major, thank God!

11. What was the best thing you bought? coming soon

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? coming soon

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? coming soon
14. Where did most of your money go? housing, groceries, savings

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?  leaving a legacy!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Sid the Science Kid Theme

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) poorer or richer? a) happier, b) thinner (no baby in my tummy), c) not sure, I have a little more saved so I guess richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? spending time with friends
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? using the computer when my children had a question
20. How did you spend Christmas? family traditions, one new one was brunch at my house with my husband, his mom, brothers, and nieces
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? already in love!

22. What was your favorite TV program? America's Best Dance Crew, Sid the Science Kid

23. What was the best book you read? Pagan Christianity

24. What was your greatest musical discovery? coming soon
25. What did you want and get? coming soon
26. What did you want and not get? coming soon
27. What was your favorite film of this year? August Rush!
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?  36, spent time with family
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? relaxed
32. What kept you sane? The Lord, through his Holy Spirit
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? none
34. What political issue stirred you the most? coming soon
35. Who did you miss? coming soon
36. Who was the best new person you met?  

To name a few - Amy Andrews, Chonta Veal, Chavon Bethany, Margaret Donnnely, Stacey White, Andrea Studt
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. coming soon
38. Favorite quote of the year

"If the sargent is not respectful to the lieutenant how can we expect the private to be respectful to the sergeant".

This is with respect to the mother's need to submit to the father, if she expects the children to submit to her.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. coming soon

Church

More of my ponderings. The last one I talked about was 'every member functioning'.

Today I am pondering this statement that I've said before and heard others say.

"I need to make sure that my church activity does not outweigh my involvement with my friends"

I'm thinking twice about that. And I'm asking myself why is it that in my mind, I even refer to church as being different than my friends. If my friends are believers, and the church is defined as those who are part of the body of Christ then there is no separation right?

If any of my friends are part of another "church fellowship" or local assembly, we're still not separate are we? I ask myself how I think of someone when they decide that they are no longer going to be a faithful member of the local assembly I'm part of. Do I ridicule them and say, 'oh they left our church' or 'yeah you know SO AND SO is not a member anymore'?

Maybe that's okay that they made that decision. Maybe I should send them in peace and pray for them and be glad that God is going to use them in another capacity.

Beyond that, I just have to be careful that I don't have the CHURCH so segregated in my mind.

The Lord says that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. That's in verse 25 of Hebrews Chapter 10. Am I even applying that passage correctly in my mind? What does that mean?

So I go back to verse 24 and read it along with verse 25. It reads:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

What are we doing (my husband and I) with all this pondering?

First, we're looking at our relationships with our friends and family, not as segments but as joint members of the body -- THE church.

I dare not go and do a bunch of great things with a local assembly and forsake fellowship with my dear and true friends. I don't want to be more intimately aware of the prayer needs of the people in my organization than the needs of those who I shared a fridge with growing up, those who I share Turkey with every year, the one I walked home from school with every day for years, the ones who come to my children's birthday parties, the people who stood with me on my wedding day, the ones who I started the Christian journey with but may now happen to be going on a different path (membership wise). I still love them. I want to be in fellowship with THEM. I want fellowship with them (with you - if you're reading this) -- LOL.

There's balance to all that but you get my drift.

I know the Lord will orchestrate how that plays out in our lives. In the meantime, we'll take steps as the Lord leads.

This may sound random, I know. Just more ponderings I have. Thanks for reading.

My mom is now twice my age!

Today is my mommy's birthday. Erma Jean Montgomery. She's 72 years old, and I'm so grateful for her life, her spunk, her charisma, wit, and lovingkindness.

Thank you mom!!!

Cry it out

I won't say that I subscribe to this theory but last night I began practicing something similar. It worked well for the little man, and tonight it did too.

So as long as I'm consistent, it will work well for his night time sleeping.

We shall see!

One thing for sure, since I started this at 8.5 months, it will make for an easier weaning process. With the other babies, I waited until 12/13 months before removing the night feeding (just before bed) and that feeding was normally done while we were both laying down. This time I think I'll still leave that one for last but I'll do it while sitting up. The next step will be to remove the two remaining daytime nursing times.

Again, we'll see how all this goes.

Homeschool Month 4 - Let me remind myself

Note to self: I am not trying to have formal education with our children, the children the Lord has given us to steward. I am not trying to line up what we do, with exactly what's being done in first grade and in PreK, nor am I trying to be sure that they are always far ahead of their natural grade.

My focus right now is on comprehending, reasoning, and communicating. Based on the normal progression of learning. Laying a firm foundation and moving toward discernment, logic, critical thinking, ...moving beyond mere sensory perception. All of these will help our children learn to discern between truth and error - so essetntial to their life in Christ.

Educating them with useful facts instead of merely trying to master all of the modern learning theories.

We want them to learn - Why we do what we do. How the world works and why.

And finally, training their spirits in self-discipline.

It's The Hap Happiest Season of All!

Thanksgiving kicks off the season for us!! Very exciting times!!!

Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever!

Wholehearted Mother Conference 2009

I have my sights set on this conference coming in February '09

The Wholehearted Mother Conference.

I have heard many rave reviews about the conference. Take a look at it and see if you'd like to attend as well.

My Husband Rocks & Farewell to Uncie

Disclaimer: I do these "My Husband Rocks" posts because I saw the idea on Katy Lin's site and I thought it was a good idea to do, as it helps me to focus in on the good of my hubby especially when things are tough. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to these and read them during any tough times that come. And they do come....... Don't believe me? Read what I wrote about "Winding down in the fire," or "Do you and your husband argue?" or "Does your husband get on your nerves???!!!" Those articles show that sometimes I think he's a straight-up knuckle head but even then, I have to remind myself of the good and remember that beneath all that flesh, ... My Husband Does Rock!!

My Husband Rocks
This post is is being automatically published while I'm away from home. I again scheduled it in advance since I'd be out of town for the weekend.

Baby boy and I are traveling to Nevada this weekend for my uncle's funeral. My uncle, James "Peter" Wilson, better known as Uncie was one of my mom's 2 brothers and he lived in Las Vegas most of his adult life. He passed away from an apparent heart attack and we're going there for his funeral. My mom, other uncle, and one of my sisters are going there as well, but on different flights. My uncle has a daughter, son, grand daughter, and great grand daughter (just born last month) who live there as well. I look forward to seeing them after many many years!

While I'm here in Vegas, Jeoff is home with the other kiddos doing the daddy thing, which they love so much! He's even taking them to one (maybe two) birthday parties. Woo hoo!

Thank God for Daddies and Thank God for husbands!!!!

Uncie, I look forward to seeing you on the other side. We will cherish all the good memories that are left here in our hearts...........

New Planners and Planner / Memory Book Combo

Sample 1A (above)

Sample 2A (above)

I've created some planners that I'd like to share with you.

Day planners, school planners, family planners, homeschool planners, you name it (literally). Planning and finding new, creative and helpful ways to do planning is a hobby for me so I thought I'd share with others. The planner I made this weekend is very thick and includes almost everything (school, keepsakes, daily tasks & to-do lists, calendars, etc.).

Size: 8" x 8"

Custom cover pages & custom planning pages available

It's easier for me to keep it all in one place, in one book, so I don't have to tag along a lot of things with me when I'm on the go. And also so I won't find myself lost when I leave ONE of those planners or notebooks behind.

I'm adding a few samples at a time of the ones I'm working on but there is much more to come.

These planners are unique in that they will include pages that help you track ideas and layouts for scrapbooking later. If you don't have time to make a book near the date of the event, you can jot down special memories from the occasion (even include photos, ticket stubs, etc.) right in your planner; then put together the scrapbook later.

If you're not sure how to do the scrapbook or don't have the time, I can put that together for you as well.

You can order a planner WITH or WITHOUT memory pages.

Let me know if you're interested in purchasing one for yourself or as a gift.

Wanna suggest another color scheme, or style? Just let me know!

Below are pages that can be included inside your planner.

Event Invitation Log: Make note of events you're invited to, as you receive the evite or invitation in the mail. After it's logged, you don't have to keep up with the email or paper invitation.

Menu Planning: Plan your menus and keep track of the ingredients you'll need from the store.

Cards/Gifts: Keep track of gifts and cards you need to mail and also include the address here. I can't even count how many times I've wanted to mail a letter or card, then I'd write or purchase it, sign it, and carry it around with me for days because I didn't have the person's address on me.

Christmas/Gift Planning (also general gift planning): Keep these in your planner all through the year for far advanced planning. Use them to make note of items you've heard your loved ones say they like.

Daily planning sheets. I like this format because when I purchase a planner with a page for each individual day of the year, I end up leaving some of them blank on days where I wasn't up to planning. Feel free to suggest sections for this page or indicate that you'd like the traditional daily planning sheets.

Chore Planning: These can be provided blank or completed with your individual chore system.

Weekly Planning: Indicate your to-do list at the top, then use the layout below to plan the day you'll get each task done.

Call Log: Keep track of calls you need to make along with notes as needed.

School Planning: These pages can be included in the school planner or the family planner and can be tailored for your needs.

Student Evaluation Forms: Use these to make periodic evaluations of your child's work and progress.

Field Trips: Keep up with potential field trips throughout the year and even include those you aren't able to attend this year but would like to attend in the future.

Future School Year Planning: Jot down notes of things you'd like to implement next school year!

Homeschool Notes: Use this for whatever!!

A Day in the Life: Don't have time to blog, don't have a blog? Use this section to jot down things you'd like to cherish for later. Use the blank section to attach a picture, keepsake, receipt, ticket stub, or even draw a picture.

A Moment to Remember: Use this section to commerate an event you'd like to cherish for later. Use the blank section to attach a picture, keepsake, receipt, ticket stub, or even draw a picture.

Log for doctors visits, Purchase log, Weight Loss Diary Pages, Children's Growth Charts

Would you like to suggest a new page to be added? Send me a comment!

Would you like to place an order? Send me an email (jeoffsrib at gmail dot com) or leave a comment and I'll send you the current price list. The journals and planners currently range from $10 - $19.

President Elect, Barack Obama

Although I don't agree with most of the views of the party, watching the speech and news coverage gave me chills. Especially, when my classmate Roland Martin (CNN Advisor) shared his point of view and shed tears. Jesse Jackson as well. And talking to my children, as they watched the victory speech, about the fact that mommy and daddy did not vote for this President but we will respect him and support him. We also talked to them about the historical impact this is on our country, having elected its first black president.

Having said all that, above being black, and above being a citizen of this nation, I am a Christian. As we've followed these campaigns we've considered all t he issues and I kept coming back to the enduring values that I find in the Word of God.

I pray for all the issues and battles we as Christians will face in the years to come, namely - abortion, same-sex marriage, healthcare, welfare, economy, taxes, national security, etc.

If nothing else, I look forward to seeing how this administration will encourage people to work together in communities and share their opinions on how things should be done.

I also look forward to following a 3rd party on local and national levels, that I've come to know and respect through my husband's research and influence. The Constitution Party

Seven Principles of the Constitution Party are:

1. Life: For all human beings, from conception to natural death;
2. Liberty: Freedom of conscience and actions for the self-governed individual;
3. Family: One husband and one wife with their children as divinely instituted;
4. Property: Each individual's right to own and steward personal property without government burden;
5. Constitution: and Bill of Rights interpreted according to the actual intent of the Founding Fathers;
6. States' Rights: Everything not specifically delegated by the Constitution to the federal government is reserved for the state and local jurisdictions;
7. American Sovereignty: American government committed to the protection of the borders, trade, and common defense of Americans, and not entangled in foreign alliances.

The Church: Every Member Functioning

Every member functioning..... what is that really like? Is that something you see often? What does that mean?

I have a desire to see that in action and to it's fullest.

I realize that may be asking for perfection and I may not ever see it but "why not look for it?", I ask myself.

Homeschool Month 3 -- What are we doing?

This is a quick post that I hope to come back to and share more detail later.

The Five in a Row books we've done in the last month are Madeline and The Rag Coat.

With reading, we ventured off a bit and began using some new books we purchased from the bookstore for the kids' independent reading. Some of them are Well Done, worm from the Brand New Readers series (for The Pupster) and we started some of the books from Top Readers and Magic Tree House series. From Top Readers we got a book on Castles to go along with The Knight at Dawn from book #2 in the Magic Tree House series. We heard the audio of book #1 (Dinosaurs before Dark) but we went ahead and got the printed copy as well, so we can make a collection.

Kitty is also continuing the Kids Phonics Bible and Ready Set Read for her independent reading.

Field Trips: We visited two pumpkin patches and made our first field trip to the Texas State Fair!

Bible: We picked up curriculum set I previously purchased to help us in this area and we're now reading through it. It's the Training Wheels Curriculum. We hope to go through the activies on Creation through the activities on Heaven. I'm sure we'll skip (or go briskly through) some in between since they've learned some of them in more depth than others.

Our character focus for this past month was Responsibility and this coming month the focus is Patience. -- I may need to do that was like, ALL YEAR!!

At some point we want to study some more about blue whales (I made a mental note) because Kitty asked lots and lots of questions about them after we watched Nim's Island a couple of weeks ago.

In co-op, Kitty has just about gotten through all of the state capitols and has progressed in Spanish class from numbers, colors, name, days of the week, letters, through simple expressions.

Art (update coming soon)

One thing we focused on the most this month was memorization. Kitty and Pupster were in an oratorical contest where they recited poems and both received gold ribbon ratings! The Pupster's poem was "The Quality of Mercy" by William Shakespeare and Kitty's was an original poem, "Who is He?" written by yours truly.

Vertigo

I hope this photo doesn't freak anyone out but this is how I've felt for the past couple of days.

And I pray God it goes away soon!

I have an appt at the docs this afternoon.

Thank the Lord, My Husband Rocks!

Disclaimer: I do these "My Husband Rocks" posts because I saw the idea on Katy Lin's site and I thought it was a good idea to do, as it helps me to focus in on the good of my hubby especially when things are tough. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to these and read them during any tough times that come. And they do come....... Don't believe me? Read what I wrote about "Winding down in the fire," or "Do you and your husband argue?" or "Does your husband get on your nerves???!!!" Those articles show that sometimes I think he's a straight-up knuckle head but even then, I have to remind myself of the good and remember that beneath all that flesh, ... My Husband Does Rock!!

Thank the Lord, My Husband Rocks!

I woke up yesterday morning and when I raised my head I felt like the house was caught up in a twister and was spinning around me, while I was trying to hold on for dear life.

Thank the Lord, my husband was able to sacrifice part of his work day and a portion of his study time to take care of me, watch the kids, get their meals, and get outside help to see us through the night!!

I am so very grateful and will be glad when this is all over.....

Getting to know Twitter

What's all the hype about? Well, I'm trying it out and I'll determine if it's worth it or if it's just another thing to do to waste time.

What am I doing with my time?

I just realized I haven't been posting, nearly as much as I used to. Part of the reason is because I realized how much I was NOT getting done when I was on the computer.

At least I'm trying to keep up with the Friday posts for My Husband Rocks and the monthly homeschool updates.

I'll find something else to post about I'm sure. When I get some down time.

Toodles.....

My Husband Rocks Friday

I told my husband about 30 minutes ago that he had just made my day by doing something that is completely within the definition of what it means to be a husband!

I called him to share some things that had been troubling me and some fears that I had been wrestling with. He listened to me explain it all and then He began the strongest, most confident discourse about our confidence in Christ, the peace that we have as Christians (versus those who are without the Lord), and about God's mighty hand of protection on us.

When I tell you I went from having tense muscles, and a tight neck, to a position of relaxation and tranquility........ I am not lying. It was like a spiritual calgon take me away moment, and I wasn't evening lying down. In fact, I was in the car driving, with all the kids in tow.

He was my covering, my priest, the one who washes me with the water of the Word!

So baby, you totally rock for that!!!!!!!!! Balee-dat!!!


More of My Husband Rocks Friday Thanks KatyLin for starting this!

Another Tell All Meme

1. FIRST NAME? Leslie

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, the Leslie on Young in the Restless (my mom, late aunt and late grandmother LOVED that soap opera in the 70s ... and 80s ... and 90s :)

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? About a week ago, letting out some stress ... Thank God for GOD (and my husband!!!)

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I don't like my cursive writing so when I was about 23 I gave it up and wrote everything in print, except my signature

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? turkey, smoked turkey

6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? yep, 4

7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would like to think so, I would hope that I would say "that sister needs some good people around her"

8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? yes, a written one as well as this blog

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? what do you think

10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? um I don't think so, I lost a lot of my nerve around the year 2000

13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? come to think of it, no

14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? only in the Lord (and I'm not being super spiritual it's true)

15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? vanilla

16. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2

17. RED OR PINK? RED

18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I think ALOT (can be good or bad)

19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mamaw

20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Dallas/Fort Worth Area, Early 70s

21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black sweats (from working out), white, pink and grey tennis shoes

22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? double cheeseburger (I KNOW)

23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The fan in the background

24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? red or orange

25. FAVORITE SMELL? bubble bath, chocolate chip cookies, baby powder on my fat baby

26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? my moms, getting my neph's address to send him a bday card

27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? do they look at me when I'm talking, what do they talk about, do they listen

28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? let me think about it

29. FAVORITE DRINK? Mr. Pibb (I know)

30. FAVORITE SPORT? H. S. Football

31. HAIR COLOR? Dark Brown

32. EYE COLOR? Brown

33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no

34. FAVORITE FOOD? Lately it's been baked chicken with onions or Schlotzky's Italiano sandwich

35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Endings but I also like intensity

36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? What Happens in Vegas

37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White and gray (a gift from my moms)

38. SUMMER OR WINTER? it depends

39. HUGS OR KISSES? it depends on from whom

40. FAVORITE DESSERT? cheesecake, cookies, Hostess cupcakes, Hershey's with almonds, white sheet cakes

41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Reimagining Church

42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one

more to come......

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?

44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME

46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD
THEY BE?

47.

48.

49.

50.

My Husband Rocks Friday!

My Husband Rocks - just because!!!

I was thinking today, what if I didn't have a reason to share this week, to prove why my husband rocks?

Would I post nothing, and skip this week? Should I?

So I decided to say that he rocks JUST BECAUSE.

There may be some weeks to come where he did not do anything to deserve my praise and I would be challenged with the choice whether or not to honor him anyway.

I'll just say that he rocks because:

I'm committed to loving him regardless.

These are things I've heard before but were reiterated in the movie - Fireproof - which we saw last weekend.

My prayer is that would remain so and that I will always remember that my love for him and his love for me is built on such a solid ROCK.

The love of Jesus Christ!!!

Jeoffrey, you rock today! Because of Christ's love for YOU!!!!

More of My Husband Rocks Friday Thanks KatyLin for starting this!

Homeschool Month 2 -- What are we doing?

Quick updates:

Co-ops started the 2nd/3rd week of September so we are out of the house a few times a week now. Much more than we were last year.

For Five in a Row, we have done Storm in the Night, The Story about Ping, and Lentil. I'm really enjoying all the great lessons that are in the lesson book.

The kids been making good progress in handwriting, memorization, reading and work ethic. The rest of the subjects have been going well too but they are not focused on as much as the others.

The co-op classes Kitty is taking (1st grade) are art, Spanish, Traveling Across America, and P.E.

Gutts or Fluff?

Warning: I don't claim that this is a well-written piece. It's just me putting stuff out there when I had a moment, didn't have a chance to perfect it, soo I just typed until family called............

I've been thinking about that topic this week after reading a post from a former classmate on our alumni site, then after hearing a similar comment from another friend. It was about being fake vs. real, in our friendships and other relationships. Hence, the title:

Fluff, of course, meaning fake

and

Gutts, first meaning the real stuff that's inside and second meaning having what it takes (the gutts) to be that real.

After pondering those thoughts this week, I had a chance to put it into practice. I was having a challenging morning. My emotions were high, it had been a long, busy week, and I wasn't feeling good about myself, my accomplishments, my hair, none of that.

In the midst of all of it, I received two phone calls. During both phone calls I had a choice. I could have done the usual "hello! ... oh hey girl, how's it going?" and after they said I'm good how are you, I could have said "I'm doing well" or "I'm doing fine" in the usual chipper voice.

But I didn't. I spoke in a casual low-tone voice. With one caller I shared exactly how I was feeling and told some of the details. There are times when I would have done that anyway, or I would have done it with certain people and not others. Or I would have just not answered the phone.

Today I just felt like going for the gutt and not the fluff.

With the other friend, I didn't go into details because I had to get the other call on the other line. Other times I would have gotten my "chipper" fluff on and said "hey girl, let me call you back" but I didn't chipper and fluff up I just talked straight in the tone I was feeling.

Later I thought about it and wondered, how do people feel when they hear you in that tone? I've actually heard some people comment that "oooh she was in such a bad mood!" or "oh my she could have sounded more pleasant couldn't she?" or "man, why did she just blow me off?"

Some of those same people - or others - might say, when I spill my gutts about what I'm really going through instead of going for the fluff, may respond in silence or just give me one of those "well we all go through something..... don't be such a whiner.... don't come to me with all your pity, we all have problems" or "she's just trying to make it seem like she has it so bad, she should be thankful, at least she ----blah-blah-blah"

All in all, I can't worry about all that. I can't control how other people take what I say or do. And I also can't allow my worries about how they will take what I say, launch me into this fluffy-bubbly-Barbie/Christie-girl demeanor and not DEAL WITH what I have going on.

I have found that when I go fluff, I conceal my issue and it takes me longer to DEAL WITH it through prayer, or confession, or a good conversation about it with a girfriend, mother, my husband, etc.

But when I "go gutts", I can get it out of the way and find the healing necessary. It can sometimes bring healing and peace to the other person(s) involved as well.

As long as it's balanced with love, grace, and encouragment, we can all benefit from some gutts every once in a while!

My Husband Rocks Friday

My husband rocks because we're going on a date night Friday night. We're going to see the movie "Fireproof"!


(Also because it's actually Thursday night, I'm scheduling this post while I'm here at the library and he's home playing baseball in the back yard with the kids). This is my lesson planning (and get some other things done) night.

We've had some "intense discussions" this week and no matter how intense it got, he came back and told me that no matter what we disagree about and go "toe to toe" about, he loves me and knows that our marriage is great!!!!! During times when I am tempted to think that he's totally disappointented in my behavior, he (most of the time) :-) comes back to me saying I know the real you and I trust what God is doing in our marriage. He tells me we DO have a good marriage, because of God's hand!

And it is so true. Beneath all the flesh is our spirit, our spirit which is connected through God the Father. And THAT is the Love that keeps us together! It is only through Him that we are able to love each other through difficult times and the everyday stresses of life.

Sing with me "na na na na..... na na na na". Send me a comment if you know what song I'm talkin about.

Back to the movie, I absolutely cannot wait to see it. There were some free screenings available before opening night, but I'm actually glad that we're going to be paying for it and contributing to their opening weekend box office numbers. I hope you see it too!

By the way, go to KatyLin's Blog and see the cool giveaway she's doing through October 2!

My Husband Rocks

My husband rocks!

This morning I woke up feeling very tired. He was already up and I heard that the kids were up too so I assumed that he was getting breakfast for them.

Obviously, I roll back over and sleep another hour and when I wake up I hear

1

2

3

We love mommy!!!! He and the big kids walked in with a bag of kolaches and my favorite donuts. My heart melted.

And those sweet donuts melted in my mouth!!!



Read more about what My Husband Rocks Friday, is all about.

Homeschool Month 1: Week 1 -- What are we doing?

It's a light week. We're not fully into our schedule but during this prep week, we'll start with some portions of the curriculum below.

Five in a Row
Integrated Literature Curriculum, including Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, Science and Art. The story for week 1 is Storm in the Night by Mary Stolz (All children)

Catechism: Big Truths for Little Kids (Bible memorization for 1st grade and PK4)

This week we're doing Chapter 1 - A Party at the Zoo and Questions 1-5

Handwriting Practice: Copy Work for Little Girls (1st grader)

Independent Reading: Growing Reader Phonics Bible (1st grade and PK4)

History Alive: What in the World's Going On Here? (All children)

Audio stories - learning the history of the world, beginning with creation

Ancient Civilizations & the Bible - Activity book which acompanies What in the World's Going on Here

Additional Reading & Memory Work: A Child's Garden of Verses

Letter of the Week: Letter G New vocabulary, spelling, and reading words; artists, composers, and elements of science which begin with the letter G

What Your 1st Grader Needs to Know

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

I missed posting last Friday for My Husband Rocks, which was started by Katy.

So Today I will post about last week. We were standing in the kitchen getting things done, scheduled, maintained etc., and I was feeling a little moody and stressed......

and I said something about my "top 5" needs and he held up his fingers like he was about to count them and said I know, "Love, ....

...Love, Love, Love, Crazy Love!" (to the tune of the song by Brian McKnight.

It broke all the tension and made my day!!! Thanks babe! Your humor comes in at the right time, so many times.....

Homeschool Kindergarten Graduation

"what I learned in kindergarten"

The parents presented the diplomas to their children

The kindergarten class of 2008

...... High school graduating class of 2020!

For today

Outside My Window...  cloudy sky, it was the perfect day to take the bike, trike, and scooter to the park and practice riding

I am thinking... about how many of the clothes I can get folded and put away before the night is over

I am thankful for... life

From the kitchen... three chicken breasts I just diced and put in the fridge to marinate

I hope to... take the kids swimming this week

I am wearing... sweats and a t-shirt

I am creating... plans for the school year

I am going... to see Charlotte's web at the library this week and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants this weekend

I am reading... "the Jake Book"

I am hoping... the chicken stir fry tonight is as good as it was last time

I am hearing... the music from the Baby Noah DVD and the dishwasher and dryer running

Around the house... same as above plus the big kids playing school and baby sleeping, clothes I need to finish folding

One of my favorite things... America's Best Dance Crew (that is, until last Thursday -- if you watch it you know why)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Jeoff is off a couple of days so we'll go to the circus, do a picnic, and maybe have a literal garage sale this weekend

Watch the Olympics 

Cozy night is on Saturday 

Celebrate My SAHM Anniversary on Sunday

What else has been going on?

My sisters' birthdays - Ericka and Alesia

What else --- Resentment or Contentment with Commencement?

Resentment or Contentment with Commencement?

It's familiar to all of us I'm sure. The phrase spoken by a Principal, teacher, valedictorian, salutatorian that informs or reminds the graduating student that commencement is not a time to focus on the end of a season, but the beginning of a season. The word commencement means beginning right?

It's back to school time and that means going off to school for the first time for lots of kids. So today I'm reviewing the thoughts and feelings I've had at different points of commencement in my life. What about you? What have your feelings been?

Two instances in my life come to mind. The first was leaving high school, and going "off to college" and the second was leaving home, and moving to California because I had one of those "wanna get away?" experiences.

When I went to college, I had memories and experiences from high school to cherish but leave behind, and I had new experiences ahead of me. Part of me looked forward to these new experiences and part of me really really missed what I was leaving behind (my high school friends, my baby nephew, parents, sisters, grandparents, cousins, and my church family), everything that was comfortable for me. And yeah I was 18 years old but wait I was ONLY 18 years old!!! An adult and a kid.

Although I wasn't as far from home as some, I was still not home. And this was 1990, so any cell phone calls in my family were made by my dad and the cost was probably $9.99 a minute or something crazy like that. At one point I was so desperate to call back home (transparency warning), that I made calls on the phone at my job in the computer center and lost my job because of it. Nowadays when kids move away, they can connect back home via cell phone as much as they want, they can talk, text, share videos of family and friends in an instant via email, Youtube, and even videos on the dog on cell phone. We didn't even have email back then.

BUT, I know that doesn't make it easy okay? It's still hard. Some of the things that transcend changes in culture and advances in technology are the things that we choose to do with the new season we're in.

As I said, this is the first of two experiences I'll share. So what can one do when they're at the beginning of such a season. We know that "it'll be over before we know it" as the saying goes, but the reality is that, "It's not over now. I'm just at the beginning of it and it seems like it's going to last forever." Sometimes you wish you could just go back to the season you were in before (high school, back to the city you moved from, or whatever the case is).

Here are some things that helped me with this first experience (going to college). Would you share some that helped you too?

1. Connect through laughter

Have fun! We know that laughter is medicine for the soul. I don't know about you but, no matter what's going on, even with me and Jeoff and when we are in the most stressful conversations, a big laugh can so take our minds off the pain and bring great joy. Some of my greatest memories from that season of my life are laughing and talking to my room mate, Drena. And before going to bed at night or when I became lonely I could reach into that bank of laughter, along with all the funny memories from home, and it would take the hurt off of my current moment of difficulty. Now almost 20 years later (Oh Lord), Drena & I still reminisce on those times and can remember entire lines of conversations we had and jokes we told.

"Yeah, I can have fun with friends, watch a funny show or video and be happy then but that only lasts so long."

You can also

2. Connect through service

Find someone to give to. There are countless people who can attest to the fact that doing something for others is quite fulfilling. That's not why I listed it though. If it's all about being fulfilling (for you) then it's less about being for someone else. Service is about taking our focus off of our own needs and concentrating on the needs of another. Are there children in the surrounding community who would love to hear the story of a college student and look to them as some what of a role model? or some would like to have a storybook read to them? is there someone you could write a letter to and it would brighten their day to hear from you?, does someone need help moving into their dorm (I think the new term is residence hall)?, what else can you do that someone else cannot do?

"I see, I'll look into that, but although it's not ALL about me there are some things I do need to do for me right?"

Right...

3. Connect to your gifts

Writing, playing an instrument, singing? I wish I had done more of that during this season. Take advantage of it and see where you can go with it. I don't mean how far you can go, meaning impressing other people with it. I mean how far can you go learning what you can learn what you can do. Look forward to the time when you can look back and see year from now, how you went from being okay at it, to being really good at it!

"Cool!"

And/or

4. Connect through student organizations

Allow the Lord to develop you as a young adult. In addition to the opportunity to make the most of the academic courses you're in, college campuses have so many opportunities for students to be involved. Whether it's sports, leadership organizations, clubs, choir, drama, ....it's there waiting for you. There are some who were involved in two or three or more of these. And most of them will never regret their involvement. For me, these were the things that God used to challenge me to become the person I am today. In them, I saw people who were different from me (in good and bad ways) and I made decisions to better myself as a result, I had to work hard to be accepted (or not care if I was accepted). And later see what acceptance is really all about. Which leads me to number four.

"Ok gotcha there, I can do something like that, but that's only when I have time to do it."

There's something you always have time to do...

5. Connect with the Father

As one of my wise sisters told her son (in so many words), "when you get back to your room be sure to go to your Bible and look and let God show you how He wants to speak to you during this season.

During this season of my life (in college), God showed me who I was inside and who He wanted to make me. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't easy, it wasn't popular, but it was what He had to do. No, that part of my journey didn't make me a person who always made the best decisions or a person who always pleased the Lord but it did teach me about how to walk with him. I'm still learning about that but this season was my introduction to it. And that's really what this life in Christ is about. Through the Joys n Pains, the most important thing we can do is walk with the Lord. If you want to know more about what that means and how you actually do that, ask Him and He'll show you. There's also a great (FREE) book to read to learn more about it. You can even read it online.

He wants us to see him, not as the person who is watching to see if we'll do right or wrong, but the one who truly knows us and loves us and who is right there at every moment we need him.

All of these are important and I pray that if you're reading this and you're in this season that as you put whichever of these into practice you feel led to, you would allow Him to walk with you through each one.

If you're past this season, how was it for you? When you moved from one season to the next and had to experience a commencement. Please share! Leave a comment. Post it on your blog. Share any encouraging words with someone who might be at the beginning of such a season right now.

Part two "So You Wanna Get Away," coming soon.............

You Simba-starfish-bucket-shell!

"Mommy, he called me a Simba-starfish-bucket-shell!"

That's what Lamby ran in the room to tell me this morning. She was actually really hurt by this. And just as with the others, I explained to her that there's no such thing as a Simba-starfish-bucket-shell - but she was hurt nonetheless.

Isn't it like that sometimes though, even when we know that what someone called us does not fit who we are or if what they called us does not even exist in this world (like a Simba-starfish-bucket-shell), it still hurts us!

We have to choose which words will hurt us and which ones we'll brush off. The most important thing is that we know who we are in Christ and not allow a stranger, friend, relative, or society's words to define us!

The R.O.C.

Another family placed a bulk order of these and we joined in. We picked it up from her this weekend.

It's especially great for times like these. I didn't use it until we got home and had a chance to explain (reiterate) what the R.O.C. is all about.

The R.O.C. = The Rod of Correction

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." - Proverbs 29:15

It's like a belt but you don't have to deal with the buckle and the length of a belt. A cross between a wooden spoon (since it's sturdy) and a belt (since it's leather outside), it gives just the appropriate amount of sting!

When I think about disciplining children, no matter what the kindness of my heart says, I need to always go back to this:

Quote 1 from The Mother at Home by John Abbott

How entirely is your earthly happiness at the disposal of your child! His character is now, in an important sense, in your hands, and you are to form it for good or for evil. If you are consistent in your government, and faithful in the discharge of your duties, your child will probably through life revere you, and be the stay and solace of your declining years. If, on the other hand, you cannot summon resolution to punish your child when disobedient; if you do not curb his passions; if you do not bring him to entire and willing subjection to your authority; you must expect that he will be your curse. In all probability, he will despise you for your weakness. Unaccustomed to restraints at home, he will break away from all restraints, and make you wretched by his life, and disgraceful in his death.

Quote 2 from The Mother at Home by John Abbott

If you love 'momentary ease' better than your children's welfare and your own permanent happiness, you cannot murmur at the lot you have freely chosen. And when you meet your children at the bar of God, and they point to you and say, "It was through your neglect of duty that we are banished from heaven—and consigned to endless woe!" you must feel what no tongue can tell. Ah! it is dreadful for a mother to trifle with duty. Eternal destinies are committed to your trust. The influence you are now exerting will go on, unchecked by the grave or the judgment, and will extend onward through those ages to which there is no end!

Coming up with this year's curriculum

My neck is hurting from revisiting the subject and researching online while holding baby in between his naps today and listening to the other kids read stories but now I am taking a break from that, to prepare for dinner.

We're almost done with our list for the school year.   Tonight I'll spend some time putting together a price list and preparing for my meeting with the head of the school and getting even closer to our final list.

The time I spent today has reminded me to go back to our original principles and methodology and not get too caught up in the details of everyone's specific experiences.

It's been good to hear the reviews and opinions of others, as we hone in on what's right for THIS year.  Here's where we are on the list.

Status Report

Here's my status report for this point in this season in life. Just a quick one. Hopefully the future ones will be in more detail.

Age: 36

Married 8 years, one month, and three days!

Four children: Ages 6, 4, 2 and 3 1/2 months

Occupation: Household COO

Industry: Marriage, Parenting

Ministry: In everyday life, showing others what we (the church) are about

Giving Flowers!

I read these two posts as I was thinking about this concept. I realize that to some, it may seem a little morbid but I think it's beautiful. There's even a song that was written by James Cleveland which shares the heart of it.

These posts, and this project, speak of the concept that my mother and grandmothers often spoke of as we were growing up. We often wait until family and friends leave this earth and funerals or wakes are held, before we say wonderful words of appreciation about them, how they lived their life, and what they meant to us. Instead, we should give each other flowers while we're still alive.

So I'm inviting you to join me in celebrating each other. It's not held to a specific date or time frame. I'm starting it today and it will continue for as long as people are interested in participating. You could do it for yourself here or on your own blog, and also invite your own friends and family to participate. If you do this on your blog let me know so I can come visit!

For starters, if you want to participate submit a comment below and let me know that you would like to participate. Then send me an email (JeoffsRib at hotmail dot com).

I will create a separate post for each person's case in the "flower shop" and that's where you can go and pick them up! If you're having a bad day or just need a pick me up, you can stop by your shop and read them again. What do ya think?

After you sign up below by entering a comment, I'll send you instructions for the next step. Telling others about it.

Happy flower giving!!!

Happy Birthday & New Blog Theme

Today is my husband's birthday. I didn't post anything special on my birthday so I'll post something on his and do something new for the start of a new year. I got the idea from my friend Chrystal. It's the start of a new year for us because we've just ended our family's celebration season --- from January til July, we are celebrating our kids' birthdays our birthdays and our wedding anniversary.

So after today we'll start over and prepare for next year's celebration season.

I'll start that off with a new title and layout for my blog (not really a big deal, I know) but right now I'm going with Joy n Pain (see the tagline under the title above, to see what I mean by that). I'm also considering Great Stress, Great Joy, because some of the things that bring us the greatest joy in life -- marriage, children, being a Believer -- can also bring us the greatest stress!

Let me know what you think about the blog titles, what sounds the most appealing (I'm being a people pleaser arent' I?) LOL.....

In case you didn't know, my old blog name was Blog for Life and it's explained here.

The next thing we'll do at the start of our year is begin preparing for the next six months of celebrating everyone else -- family pseudo reunions, back to school parties with friends and cousins, parents' birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

Pictures in this post ... I included our celebration of Jeoff's birthday. We celebrated on Sunday, at a new play place in our metroplex. We had a blast and it was a super good deal on all you can eat buffet and unlimited rides -- all for $8!

Come back and visit me again some time. I'll be having an online yard sale next week!

Book of the Week

When the Church Leaves the Building by David Fredrickson











Past Books of the Week
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn
Heart & Mind: What the Bible Says About Learning by Ruth Beechick

Photos

This summer I haven't been writing much but I am posting photos here and there. So see below for random photos and photos from events.